BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 \u00a0A Bakersfield attorney who was facing felony drunken driving and hit-and-run charges after crashing into a California Highway Patrol vehicle in 2024 has died, his defense attorney said.<\/p>\n
William Charles Wright, 43, was hospitalized in recent months but had returned home, attorney Jeremy Brehmer said Monday in confirming his death.<\/p>\n
More details weren\u2019t immediately available.<\/p>\n
Wright, an estate planning attorney, had been scheduled for a preliminary hearing next month.<\/p>\n
On the night of Dec. 14, 2024, Wright\u2019s Lexus SUV crashed into the back of a CHP Dodge Charger as officers set up a DUI checkpoint in the area of Calloway Drive and Brimhall Road.<\/p>\n
The Dodge was pushed toward several CHP Explorers, hitting three of them, according to court documents. An officer on foot also was hit.<\/p>\n
Pulled from the SUV after refusing to get out, Wright admitted drinking that evening but said he didn\u2019t know he\u2019d crashed, according to the documents. He told officers he thought he was on the Westside Parkway.<\/p>\n
A preliminary alcohol screening showed his blood alcohol content was 0.18%, more than twice the legal limit, documents said.<\/p>\n
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